National Labor College recognizes the impact the cost of higher education can have on working adults and their families. Through the generosity of our alumni, staff, friends and partners, NLC is pleased to offer a variety of scholarships that allow us to support our students’ unique financial needs.
General Eligibility Requirements
- Must meet defined criteria of the respective scholarship.
- Must be enrolled at a minimum of half-time status (6 credit hours) during the semester seeking assistance.
- Must maintain satisfactory academic progress, including a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
- Must adhere to the online participation and attendance policies.
- Must be fully matriculated
How to Apply – DEADLINE EXTENDED
- Submit a completed Scholarship Request Form by December 16, 2013 for the spring 2014 semester.
- Complete the current year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
Recipient Selection Process
Students will be considered for all scholarships whose eligibility requirements they meet. Scholarship awards are determined by the National Labor College Scholarship Committee unless otherwise noted. Recipients will be notified in writing of the outcome of the scholarship process.
NLC Scholarships
NLC Scholarships are only applied to NLC degree programs. They cannot be used at any other school.
Union Plus National Labor College Scholarship
Sponsored by Union Privilege, this scholarship represents the largest single contribution to the NLC scholarship program and results in annual awards up to $25,000. This scholarship is open to any AFL-CIO affiliated union member enrolled at NLC.
Alumni Association Scholarship
Established in 1982 by the National Labor College Alumni Association and maintained through contributions from the alumni, faculty, staff and the Board of Trustees of the College, this scholarship benefits students who demonstrate financial need. Awards range from $250 to $1,000.
- 2012-2013 Winner: Jeremiah West is a continuing student in the School of Labor Studies studying Labor Studies. He is from Owings Mills, MD and is a member of the OPEIU Local 2.
Winn & Elaine Newman Scholarship
Established in honor of the late Winn Newman, two scholarships are awarded annually to deserving women and minority students entering into Bachelor’s degree programs at NLC. Each award covers the cost of one three-credit course.
- 2012-2013 Winner: Dinah Linville is a continuing student in the School of Labor Studies studying Labor Safety and Health. She is from Eagle Point, OR and is a member of the AFSCME.
- 2012-2013 Winner: Gina Gomez is a continuing student in the School of Professional Studies studying Emergency Management. She is from Freeport, Florida and is a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters.
National Labor College President’s Scholarships
National Labor College President’s Scholarships are awarded to students who are active union members and newly enrolling at the College. Awarded annually, the number and amount of awards vary. Each year, the President names scholarships in honor of individuals who have played important roles in the labor movement, including:
AFL-CIO President Emeritus John Sweeney
- 2012-2013 Winner: Kwesi Ablordeppey is a new student in the School of Professional Studies. He is from Springfield, MA and is a member of SEIU Local 888.
Mark Ayers
- 2012-2013 Winner: David Osaba is a continuing student in the School of Professional Studies studying Construction Management. He is from Weirton, West Virginia and is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 246.
William Clay
Jim Crane
Stanley Ruttenberg
- 2012-2013 Winner: Henri Freitas is a continuing student in the School of Professional Studies studying Business Administration. She is from Hilo, HI and is a member of AFSCME Local 152, the Hawaii Government Employees Association.
Dorothy Shields
- 2012-2013 Winner: Sandy Opstvedt is a continuing student in the School of Professional Studies studying Business Administration. She is from Story City, IA and is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 55.
Ken Young
- 2012-2013 Winner: Alejandro Garcia is an IBEW student majoring in Business Administration .
Union-Based Scholarships
AFGE members
- JNS Labor Scholarship: The JNS Labor Scholarship only applies to National Labor College or its affiliated schools. At present, those affiliated schools include George Mason University’s School of Public Policy and the University of Massachusetts’ Labor Center. This scholarship enables students to receive a maximum of $5000 per year for tuition and books if attending one of these universities. Scholarship awards are based on the applicant’s anticipated college expenses and other relevant financial data including financial support for education. Selections will be made based on confirmation of enrollment or approved application to National Labor College.
BMWED (IBT) members:
- BMWED Annual Scholarship: The BMWED annual scholarship is designed to encourage and recognize the achievements of BMWED members and their dependents and assist them in obtaining a college education, with preference given to those pursuing the study of labor-related subjects. Two $2,000.00 scholarships will be awarded. Deadline for application is October 31, 2013.
IAFF members:
- The IAFF awards three scholarships annually covering up to nine credits each to active members in good standing. Please click to download a PDF document about these scholarships or contact the IAFF Education Department for more information at (202) 737-8484. Deadline is July 1.
IAMAW members:
- International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Scholarship: This endowed scholarship is available to members of the IAMAW enrolled in the Senior Block or who are first time enrollees at the Winpisinger Center. Awards range from $1,000 to $1,500.
SEIU members:
- Bonnie Ladin Scholarship for SEIU Members: Established in honor of the late Bonnie Ladin, scholarships are awarded annually to SEIU members, their children or local staff. The awards are one-time scholarships, ranging from $500 – $1000, and are for use in any of the degree programs within the School of Labor Studies at National Labor College. To be eligible, an applicant must have been a member of SEIU for 3 continuous years as of September 1st of the award year. Officers and employees of the International Union and their children are not eligible. Scholarship awards are limited to one per household.
UA members:
- Sergeant David Coullard Valor, Discipline & Vision Scholarship: Established in honor of the late David Coullard, this scholarship is awarded to United States Armed Forces veterans or family members enrolled at NLC.
Other Scholarships
The John Dewan Memorial Labor Studies Scholarship
John Dewan was the longtime Community Action Program Director for Region 1B of the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW). As a tribute to him and to perpetuate his memory, the John Dewan Memorial Foundation was established to, among other things, sponsor the John Dewan Memorial Labor Studies Scholarship. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide an education stipend to residents of Michigan for successful completion of labor studies classes. Applicants must be union members or sponsored by a union member. Contact Tim Dewan for more information at 248-879-0912.
Scholarship Request Form
In order to apply for a scholarship from NLC, you MUST complete this form and file a current award year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. For your reference, the NLC school code is 034555.
Students will be considered for all scholarships whose eligibility requirements they meet. NLC Scholarships are only applied to NLC degree programs. They cannot be used at any other school.
THE SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE FOR SPRING 2014 HAS PASSED.